Sergei Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.4 Op.40

During his time, Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.4 was continually dogged by criticism that it was work desperately seeking a style. Critics said the Fourth did not seem know where it was coming from, or knew which way it was going. Concert goers, who were swept away by the lyrical beauty of the Second and storming brilliance of the Third, were expecting Rachmaninov's Fourth Concerto to have that similar emotional impact. Nevertheless, there is a wonderful rhythmic tautness to this outstanding piece. The finale contains some of the Fourth's most attractive music. This particular work is a reduction for 2 pianos, where the music's potency isn't compromised by it's lack of an orchestra.